Lawlessness and crime is expected to reduce after the Metro Police Department launched a new team of officers dedicated to fighting crime in the streets on 14 May.
The new integrated Intelligence Operation Centre (IOC) Reaction Unit team comprising of 80 officers, was launched by MMC for Public Safety Michael Sun together with acting head of the Department of Public Safety David Tembe.
With muggings and other crimes rife in the city centre, the newly launched team will respond effectively to incidences captured by the unit’s owned CCTV cameras on a 24-hour basis.
Sun said with technology like license plate and facial recognition, a speedy and effective response to any crime spotted is equally important.
The ‘quick-attack’ officers work undercover in both unmarked and marked patrol vehicles. They will be deployed to hotspots identified in areas like Braamfontein, Yeoville, Hillbrow, Doornfontein and other parts of the city centre.
“The unit will respond within three minutes with guidance from the IOC. The unit and the centre will work hand in hand, 24/7, to take down criminals lurking on our streets,” said Sun.
Sun emphasised on the significance of a solid relationship between the City, the police and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
“Justice will only prevail if criminals are detained and prosecuted. For too long, the streets of Joburg have been held hostage by muggers, hijackers and other criminals. However, through the IOC Reaction Unit and the commitment of the JMPD, we have drawn the line clearly,” he said.
Sun added that the Metro Police was making progress in increasing the number of CCTV feeds to the IOC. He said the department was working directly with a number of stakeholders in the private sector where privately-owned CCTV cameras feeds would be monitored directly at the IOC.
“We will, in the following months also unveil more innovative hi-tech projects which will assist to improve service delivery and ensure our residents are kept safe. This is planned as we simultaneously grow the IOC Reaction Unit to 160 officers,” he concluded.
